The success of the annual "Project Connect" was easy to measure soon after the six-hour event began at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville.

A full parking lot and a line of dozens — some who showed up as early as 8 a.m. — set the tone for the rest of the day.

"It's great that people come to take advantage of the many goods and services offered here today … the other side of that, though, is that it also says a lot about the amount of need out there for so many

St. Joseph County residents," said Rod Detweiler, a staff member at Firm Foundation. Detweiler helped plan and assist with Wednesday's seventh annual event.

A diverse representation of 50 agencies and companies was present to help residents with numerous needs or problems.

Centreville resident Zach Opdycke, for example, said he was happy to find Michigan Works, Glen Oaks Community College and Community Action Agency all under one roof, as he planned to discuss matters with representatives from each of the three.

He said he would have had to drive to Sturgis, Centreville and Three Rivers to seek assistance from all those representatives.

By chance, Opdycke passed a team of Walgreens employees from the Sturgis and Three Rivers store locations. He noticed free flu shots were being offered, so he was quick to accept.

"Winter's coming … I need to stay healthy," said Opdycke, 28.

Within the first two hours of Project Connect, 31 flu shots had been administered.

Brandy McGrew, of Mendon, arrived at Project Connect looking for some warm clothes to help her through the winter. With a large selection of items available from the Centreville-based Free Store, McGrew secured a winter coat that she said was desperately needed.

While browsing the grounds at Firm Foundation, McGrew spotted complimentary haircuts. It was an offer too good to refuse, she said.

"I needed one anyhow and it helps so much that I can get it for free today," she said, as Erika Tetzloff, a Three Rivers resident and stylist with X-treme Hair Lengths, worked her magic.

Nearly 40 haircuts had been given by Tetzloff and a partner in the first three hours.

Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Human Services Commission, Project Connect is dubbed a one-stop location for people who need help in any of a number of areas.

Based on feedback Detweiler received early in the day, the most common thing sought was assistance with utility costs.

He said people who attended Project Connect showed they are committed to seeking help.

"Just coming here is the first step anyone can take if they want to make their lives better," he said. "With the (St. Joseph County Transportation Authority) offering free rides to and from the church today and free child care on hand, there's really no excuse for people in need to not show up."

"Many more than we expected, but we were glad people found out about what we were offering and happy they utilized our service," Yorks said.

Jan Reed, collaborative coordinator for the St. Joseph County Human Services Commission, said based on early attendance numbers, it was likely the event would surpass the estimated 350 people who attended Project Connect in 2011.

"What we're witnessing is the impact the economy has had not just on the homeless, but on the working poor, too," she said. "A lot of people have had to turn on their heat and for some, they have to make a choice between that or food … but there is help and that's why we're here today."